Kylie Minogue receives doctorate

The Australian singer wore a traditional cap and gown as she accepted an honorary Doctor of Health Sciences award from Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, Essex, East England, in recognition for her work promoting breast cancerawareness.

Kylie - who was diagnosed with the disease in 2005 - told graduates at the ceremony: "I never went to university so my dad will be very proud when he sees the pictures.

"I am here partly for the work I do promoting breast cancer awareness.

"When you are diagnosed yourself it becomes a lot more real and you appreciate at first hand the hard work that goes on to support patients through it."

The 'Wow' hitmaker - who is now entitled to call herself Doctor - later took to her twitter page to express her delight at the ceremony.

She wrote: "Thank u Anglia Ruskin for such an honour!!!!(Sic)"

The university is awarding 12 honorary doctorates this week, with accessories designer Anya Hindmarsh and novelist Jilly Cooper among the recipients.

Professor Michael Thorne, vice chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, said: "We make honorary awards to individuals of extraordinary talent who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field.

"We hope that the recipients of these honorary awards will serve as examples to our graduates."

Kylie underwent surgery and chemotherapy to treat her cancer and was given the all-clear in 2006.